Former President Donald Trump declared in a recent interview that he would promptly dismiss special counsel Jack Smith if he were to win the White House. Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, has brought legal charges against Trump related to his actions surrounding the 2020 election and handling of classified documents.
During the interview, Trump asserted that he would terminate Smith within moments of assuming office, labeling him as a 'crooked person.' Despite Trump's intentions, the process of removing a special counsel typically involves the Justice Department rather than direct presidential action.
Notably, Trump's previous attempts to influence investigations, such as urging his White House counsel to end Robert Mueller's probe during his presidency, were met with resistance. Smith has initiated two federal cases against Trump, one of which was dismissed in July and is currently under appeal.
While Trump faces potential legal challenges, he expressed confidence that firing Smith would not lead to impeachment proceedings. The former president's critics, including Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, have utilized Smith's investigations to highlight Trump's alleged misconduct, particularly in relation to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Despite his criticism of Smith, Trump commended U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who presided over the dismissed classified documents case. Trump praised Judge Cannon as 'brave' and 'brilliant,' emphasizing her impartiality despite never having direct communication with her.
